The arid nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) received the "heaviest rain ever" on Tuesday, leading to flooding in Dubai.
The rain was called “a historic weather event" by the state-run WAM news agency, surpassing "anything …
The arid nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) received the "heaviest rain ever" on Tuesday, leading to flooding in Dubai.
The rain was called “a historic weather event" by the state-run WAM news agency, surpassing "anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman also received rainfall on Tuesday.
The widespread rainwitnessed across the UAE is believed to have been caused by “cloud seeding", among other factors.
Emirates' National Center for Meteorology (NCM) reportedly conducted six or seven cloud-seeding flights before the rains that caused havoc in Dubai, according to meteorologists at NCM quoted in several media reports.
The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) announced its participation at the International Exhibition and Conference for Water Management, known as Baku Water Week, as part of its overarching mission to bolster rain enhancement science through international collaboration. The event will extend from 12 until 14 March at the Baku Expo Center in Azerbaijan.
In addition to meeting with many key industry leaders and innovative stakeholders throughout the exhibition, UAEREP Director Alya Al Mazroui will participate in a panel discussion alongside several other esteemed water resource management executives and subject matter experts. The panel, titled ‘Technological Innovation in Water Management,’ will focus on the benefits and implementation of different water resource management options, including desalination, wastewater reuse, rainwater collection, and rain enhancement.
While Azerbaijan is currently prioritizing alternative water resources, they continue to look for breakthrough technologies that combat water scarcity, including rain enhancement and cloud seeding technology. Currently, Azerbaijan’s semi-arid regional conditions result in less than 450 mm of rainfall per year. Following the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, UAEREP is uniquely motivated to extend its reach in the global rain enhancement field and hopes to engage in mutually productive discussions throughout the week.
Speaking on their participation, His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said, “NCM believes in the important opportunity that Baku Water Week offers to continue our mission of advancing collaboration in water security on a global scale. We are eager to share our experiences and take advantage of the opportunities available to drive innovation in addressing the world’s water challenges.”
